A lecture at the Hessian State Museum in Darmstadt shows the possibilities and limitations of modern investigative work
How realistic is the portrayal of forensic investigations in television series like "CSI"? And what role do DNA traces actually play in solving crimes? These questions will be addressed in a lecture by the Darmstadt Natural Science Association on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Under the title "Like CSI? Insights into modern forensic science," Stefanie Grethe, head of the Biology/DNA Analysis department at the Rhineland-Palatinate State Criminal Police Office, explains the working methods of modern forensic science institutes. The event is being held in cooperation with the Hessian State Museum Darmstadt.
From evidence collection to DNA analysis
Biological traces are now an important component of police investigations. In particular, DNA analysis can help establish connections between people, objects, and crime scenes.
However, unlike in many television crime dramas, the investigation procedures are complex and their results are not always clear.
In her presentation, Stefanie Grethe provides insights into the practical work of a forensic science institute. She introduces current investigative methods and uses selected case studies to explain how biological traces are examined and analyzed.
This involves the entire process from securing evidence to laboratory analysis and the significance of the investigation results for police investigations.
What can modern forensics achieve?
Another focus will be on the possibilities and limitations of forensic biology. The presentation will illustrate what insights can be gained from DNA traces and where the evidentiary value of forensic investigations reaches its limits.
The event thus offers an insight into a field of work that is known to many people through crime series, but whose actual methods and procedures are often less familiar.
The lecture is aimed at all interested parties. No prior knowledge is assumed.
The most important information
- Event: "Like CSI? Insights into today's forensic science"
- Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Start time: 6 p.m
- Speaker: Stefanie Grethe, Head of the Biology/DNA Analysis Department at the Rhineland-Palatinate State Criminal Police Office
- Organizer: Natural Science Association Darmstadt e. V.
- Cooperation partner: Hessian State Museum Darmstadt
- Admission free
- Registration: No advance reservation possible
- Note: Seating is limited
(DARMSTADT – RED/HLMD)
Featured image: Forensic analysis today. Photo: State Criminal Police Office of Rhineland-Palatinate, Mainz
